# Lancashire Heeler

Also known as: Ormskirk Heeler, Ormskirk Terrier
- **Group:** Herding (FCI group 1)
- **Size:** Small
- **Origin:** England
- **Height:** 25–30 cm
- **Weight:** 5.9–8.2 kg
- **Life expectancy:** 12–15 years
- **Temperament:** Courageous, Happy, Affectionate, Alert, Intelligent
- **FCI standard:** No. 360

A small, sturdy English farm dog bred to drive cattle and catch rats. Known for its cheerful nature, black-and-tan coat and the famous 'smile' it shows when happy.

## Overview

The Lancashire Heeler is a compact, low-set working dog developed to drive cattle and keep farms free of rats. It is a rare breed in the UK, where the Kennel Club lists it as a vulnerable native breed.

Today it is a lively, affectionate companion that fits well into active households. It is full of character and quick to show its pleasure, sometimes by drawing back its lips in a grin.

## History

The Heeler is generally thought to descend from the Welsh Corgi and the Manchester Terrier. For well over a hundred and fifty years it was a general-purpose farm dog in Lancashire, nipping at the heels of cattle and hunting vermin.

Modern breeding took off in the early 1960s under Gwen Mackintosh. The breed club was formed in 1978, the Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1981, the FCI accepted it provisionally in 2016 and the American Kennel Club followed in 2024.

## Appearance

A small, slightly long-bodied dog with short legs, upright ears and a sturdy, strong build. It stands about 25 to 30 cm at the shoulder and weighs roughly 6 to 8 kg.

The coat is harsh and smooth over a weatherproof undercoat, with a slight mane around the neck in winter. It is black and tan, or liver and tan.

## Temperament

The breed standard describes the Heeler as courageous, happy and affectionate to its owner. It is intelligent, alert and keen to be part of family life.

Its herding and ratting background means it can be bossy, may nip at heels and likes to chase. Early training and socialisation help keep these habits in check.

## Care and exercise

Despite its size, the Heeler is an active, tough dog that enjoys daily walks, play and mental work such as training games or agility. It is happiest with a job to do.

Grooming is simple: a regular brush, with extra attention during seasonal moulting. Keep up with routine eye checks, dental care and nail trims.

## Health

The breed is generally long-lived, with a 2024 UK study finding an average life expectancy of 15.4 years. Eye conditions are the main concern, including collie eye anomaly, primary lens luxation and persistent pupillary membranes. Patella luxation can also occur. DNA and eye testing of breeding stock is important.

## Ratings (1 to 5)

- Energy: 4
- Exercise needs: 3
- Grooming: 2
- Shedding: 3
- Trainability: 4
- Barking: 3
- Good with children: 4
- Good with other dogs: 3

Page: https://techtools.cz/tools/dog-atlas/lancashire-heeler
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lancashire_Heeler · https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q37972
Photo: Svenska Mässan from Sweden (CC BY 2.0), https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Grupp_1%2C_LANCASHIRE_HEELER%2C_NO_UCH_NO_V-14_NO_V-15_SE_UCH_St%C3%A5hlskyttens_Longed_For_Antony_%2824284065606%29.jpg
Profile written by an AI model from the sources above.